Patrick looking for federal money to deal with storm

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Half a week later, Massachusetts is still cleaning up from a major winter snowstorm, and Governor Deval Patrick is now trying to see if the damage is enough to qualify the state for federal aid money.

In western Massachusetts, snow banks remain high, many sidewalks are obstructed, and road conditions remain less-than-ideal in many locations.

Still, things are much worse in the eastern part of the state, where about 5,700 utility customers remained without power as of Wednesday morning. The effort to return their electricity is complicated by narrow roads and damaged lines. The utility companies say that all power should be restored by tomorrow.

Governor Patrick has ordered a total assessment of the storm damage from the air, and a cost estimate should be in by next week. That will determine whether Massachusetts qualifies for federal aid money.

Locally, Springfield’s Planning and Economic Development Committee will be meeting with DPW officials at City Hall to discuss the City’s response to the storm.